The Mercies

On Christmas Eve, 1617 the women of Vardo, Norway, an island in the far north watched in horror as their husbands, fathers and sons fishing boats all sank in a storm. The women all tumble into a shared grief in the aftermath. But in such a catastrophe, some feel the need to lay blame and the powers that be seem willing to assist them. Maren Magnusdotter, was there to watch in horror as she lost her father, brother and fiance in a finger-snap. She balances in a new world to fight for survival, to protect her sister-in-law who is a Sami and appease her mother in her newly found righteous religion. A commissioner has been summoned to search for witches and persecute the Sami who are pagan and suspect. I have been wanting to read this since seeing it on the upcoming releases last year and with it landing on the best of lists for 2020, I knew it was time to move it up on my tbr. I am always happy to find my first 5 star early in the new year. I hope it is a good sign.

There was not a moment of this book that was not painful. My prof fully made this out to be a romance and we read twilight and Bridget jones before this, so boy was I unprepared. I am currently very distressed after that ending. The only historical fiction narratives I actually enjoy are repressed lesbians so this was good and I do love a beautifully written heart wrenching story but wtf

I want to say this book started as a slow burn, but that seems insensitive given the subject matter. This book is really good and I am devastated after finishing it.

Oooof this one got me good. Kiran Millwood Gargraves constructs a stunning atmosphere. Her writing invokes the chill of the coldest winter, and the warmth of the most tender touch. Her descriptions of smells place the reader right in the setting, immersing them in the penetrating cold of the Norwegian winter. Great book.

4.5 / 5

3.75

I was a WRECK as soon as I finished this book. This is a slow burn book. The story picks up little by little and completely sucks you into the cold desolate environment where the story takes place.

I don't want to spoil the book. I think it's best going into it not knowing too much. But my gosh the slow burn Sapphic romance was to die for. <3 I could feel my heart in my throat. It's kind of like those subtle Pride and Prejudice (2005 movie) scenes that just kind of tear into you.

However, I was also filled with such a simmering rage the entire time because the romance is a subplot and the main story is the witch trials that took place. And oh, was I pissed at every single man and woman that accused innocent people of being a witch. God, my blood BOILED.

The crush that I had on Kirsten…

What I found in this book was completely unexpected. Rather than focusing on the accusations of witchcraft against women and their brutal killings, that actually just serves a backdrop for the "The Mercies'" actual focus, which is on the budding relationship between Maren and Ursa. I'm not necessarily disappointed in this, but I do wish there had been more of a linear plot that paid more attention to the witchcraft. When it did finally become the book's main threat, it was rather rushed and ended abruptly. I think this book is advertised as being more dark than it really is. If you really want to read about witch trials, this isn't the book for that. I also wouldn't consider this a romantic book. I found most of the love and tenderness to be found in the friendships. Maren and Ursa have a great relationship, but it isn't a romantic one for more than a few pages. I really loved their companionship, though. They were great friends to one another and it was nice to see them gently fall in love. But, the story stalled quite often when they weren't together. Maren's individual POVs were sometimes interesting, but I was very bored with Ursa's, especially when she was with her husband. The prose is really nice, I'm a fan of Hargrave's writing style. But the pacing was pretty slow and I was just bored for a lot of it. Hargrave really dragged out things that were very insignificant, such as dinner parties and town gossip. But then what was of interest to me was so rushed. Such as the actual witch trials, Maren and Ursa's romantic relationship, and the ending in general. Overall, I liked this book. But I wanted more from it. "The Mercies" - 3/5 Stars

4.5

Well written inclusive historical fiction. It does what it says on the tin. While it didn’t exceed my expectations, it was a solid read.

If you like pining and tragedy with your sapphic romances this is the book for you! This book was absolutely devastating. The writing was beautiful - I am not normally a historical fiction fan because I have trouble visualizing the scenery BUT the whole time reading I felt like I was there on the island with the characters. The characters themselves are also so well developed and you feel everything they feel - their grieving, pain, anger, and love.

A heart stopping novel about the witch trials in Norway in 1610.

Surface level throughout. Abrupt change in the last few chapters where it turns into a clichéd action adventure story that clashes with its previous intentions.

Very interesting historical fiction

Very slow

One of my favorite books from 2021.

There has been some fantastic historical fiction released recently, and a few that focus on witches, so I was really excited to hear about Kiran Millwood-Hargraves latest book The Mercies, which is her first adult novel. Pan Macmillan heard my squeals of excitement so they sent me an early copy! What intrigued me the most about this book was that it was not set in the usual places for witch trials. Kiran Millwood Hargrave takes us up north to Vardo, a Norwegian island, to tell a story based off true events. On Christmas Eve 1617, the majority of the men on the island were wiped out by a crazy storm at sea. The women were left to look after themselves and the island. Eighteen months later, a sinister man and his wife arrive on the island, the man is convinced that there is evil at work and sets out to eradicate the problem. This story is rich in historical details, and I'll be fascinated to learn more (which is a sign of a brilliant historical novel in my eyes). Based of the tragic events of 1617 and the witch trials in 1621, this beautiful atmospheric read explores relationships, grief, power and suspicion. The way Hargrave has connected modern day issues to this old piece of history is genius. If you're looking for a gorgeous tale that will hit you in the heart, then this is for you. Beautiful, emotional, powerful. This historical read will magic you away.

interesting setting and premise but the author tried too hard to write poetic/lyrical prose that weighed down the story instead of elevating it

** spoiler alert ** Seventh book of Tis the Damn Readathon Album: Lover Prompt: Lover (Read a five star prediction) Why yes I did immediately read YET ANOTHER book based on real life humans being terrible to other humans https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vard%C3... Saw pretty much all of this coming but it still gave me THE RAGE (especially Chapters 32 to 34). Me, every time Toril, Absalom or Maren's mother said or did pretty much anything: https://youtu.be/RAkSkMRwPYs The descriptions of the little details of everyday life are so well done, which adds an extra layer of unnerving whenever things shift from 'oh here are some lovely cosy domestic scenes, maybe this community is ok and not in any way doomed' to 'heyyyyy soooo just wanted to remind you that the most powerful people in this story are also the most sexist and racist and yeahhhh some people are probably going to die because of it, also fun fact women who you'd think would be allies are going to side with the misogynists because they obviously subconsciously hate themselves as much as they hate foreigners (but not white foreigners from Scotland, those ones are ok I guess?)' Honestly kind of wish Ursa had run off with the ship's captain when she had the chance. (Headcanon: Ursa finds him again after the end of the book and they get to be happy) (Also headcanon: Maren finds Diina after the end of the book and they also get to be happy) (NB: These are the only people who get a happy ending. No one else is allowed) (Especially not Toril) (She knows what she did) PS: There is a memorial in Vardo to the real life victims of this particular breed of dangerous stupidity. Hopefully one day, I will go there to pay my respects.

What a phenomenal book - certainly one of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a long time. Gripping story, haunting prose, immersive setting, well-developed characters, strong messaging... I could go on and on. I highly recommend picking this one up if you, like me, enjoy the subgenre of historical fiction that delves into religion and persecution of women from the 1200s to 1800s. This one in particular is inspired by the events of the Vardø witch trials. I can also guarantee that you'll love this book, if you enjoyed Hannah Kent's Burial Rites or Julie Berry's The Passion of Dolssa. Also, the writing!! As she watches, a final flash of lightning illuminates the hatefully still sea, and from its blackness rise oars and rudders and a full mast with gently stowed sails, like underwater forests uprooted. Of their men, there is no sign. It is Christmas Eve. Bone-chilling. I can read this again and again even just to immerse myself in that bleak but beautiful writing. I'm happy to report that the ending broke me. I only wish the last section was longer and as drawn out as the first two, but that could also just be me not wanting the story to end. "It is knowing that all your joy is bound up in another, and to be parted from it would be to live without light for the rest of your days." And now I am sad. Why do I always end up reading the best books at the beginning of the year? :(

very interesting themes but it took a really looong time to get to the tinteresting part

I'm pleasantly surprised. I got through the most of this lovely & feminist historical fiction within one day. Based on the 17th century Witch Hunt in a remote part of Norway, this novel is packed with a strong cast of female characters and it dives into the human nature that sparked the hysteria of Witch Hunt due to the storm that precedes the Trials. While it's a relatively short and smooth read, it packed the suspicions in the tightly knit community and the two main female characters are relatively well fleshed out (though I must admit I would love to have seen more cameo appearance of Ursa's family members though the juxtaposition between the actual events and her reminiscence nevertheless felt comforting). Overall, a very readable historical novel which brings life out of a relatively remote & little-known historical event yet the human qualities nevertheless resonates in the present day.

4.5 stars. Loved this. LOVED IT. The framing of the story was perfect and it was written very well. But DAMN IT, it would've been a perfect 5 stars if (view spoiler)[it'd had a happier ending. I hate that Maren went off on her own instead of running away with Ursa. Most upsetting. (hide spoiler)] I was definitely left wanting more, as the ending felt rushed. I want to know what happened next! I'm probably dreaming, but I'd love a sequel that rectifies that.